Did the heads today… lapped in the valves, new double springs, to match the 280 degree, .480/.480 cam. In a couple of days, I’ll go back over and finish putting in the crank, camshaft, pistons and timing gears. Had a couple of distractions today, so didn’t get as far along as I had hoped.
Found out the body work is all done on the cab and bed. Chassis should be done by next weekend, and I want to have the engine ready to mount, so I can lay out the mounting modifications. Who’d a thought that Ford didn’t allow for mounting a Chevy engine in their trucks, eh?
(Click to enlarge, but be warned, they’re large files)
The chassis before chopping it to add the new front end
We want to close up the C-channel frame with some stainless sheet metal before painting it. Makes for nice clean runs for wiring and brake lines.
Heads are ready to go!
I had hoped to finish the heads, and install the pistons, crank and cam today. Just wasn’t to be, I guess. Ah well…. it’ll still be there tomorrow!
Taking a "break" to clean up a piston for a custom ashtray
Not much of a break, but once I get started, I like to keep on… getting back up to speed ain’t as easy as it used to be!
This is the 351 Cleveland we pulled out of the truck
The 351 ended up at the dump, as we couldn’t find anyone interested in it, and it was taking up too much space. Pity! A great engine.
How the bed looked when bought
As you can see, the bed was pretty rough. When we’re finished, it’ll be red oak, with polished stainless, boltless deck runners. The tailgate will have invisible latches, instead of the stock chains and hooks.
very cool!